Shibuyunji Chamber backs HH on living standards

By MUBITA KATETE THE Shibuyunji District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SDCCI) has backed President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for the country to shift its focus from economic stabilisation to improving citizens’ living standards. SDCCI president Renox Cheela said economic stability was essential in creating business opportunities, boosting investment and improving livelihoods. Mr Cheela said the chamber welcomed the President’s address to the First Session of the 14th National Assembly, particularly the emphasis on translating economic gains into tangible benefits for citizens. He said the reduction in inflation from 24 percent in 2021 to 6.1 percent in September 2026, coupled with a stronger Kwacha and increased foreign exchange reserves, had helped build confidence among rural businesses. Mr Cheela also supported the government’s ambition to more than double the size of the economy through increased investment, trade and private sector participation. He said the planned expansion of electricity generation capacity to 10, 000 megawatts was important in supporting industrial growth and improving the operating environment for businesses. Mr Cheela also welcomed proposed measures in the energy sector, including a review of the Energy Regulation Board’s monthly fuel pricing mechanism, strengthening the TAZAMA open-access system and developing fuel pipelines linking Angola, Namibia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. He said the restoration of excise duty on fuel would help sustain key government programmes, including free education, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and the Social Cash Transfer programme. However, Mr Cheela urged the government to introduce measures to cushion rural farmers against high transportation costs, saying the expenses could undermine their productivity and profitability. He suggested that support could be channelled through the CDF or the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission to help farmers access affordable transportation. “We support Healthcare City in Lusaka, more health infrastructure, essential medicines, and measures to reduce maternal mortality,” Mr Cheela said in a statement. He reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the government’s Grow Zambia Agenda, saying the organisation was ready to partner in developing skills training colleges, the beef value chain, industrial yards and enterprise development initiatives supported through the CDF. Mr Cheela said stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector would be important in ensuring that economic growth translated into improved living standards for citizens.

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